Friday, February 24, 2012

[7.25/10] The Woman in Black (2012)

Brief review: After his critically acclaimed 2008 debut feature, "Eden Lake", UK director James Watkins brings us "The Woman in Black" - a period ghost story, based on Susan Hill's novel of the same name. While the film doesn't brings anything new to the table story-wise, it still works on many levels, thanks to its well-written script and competent execution. The movie manages to be chilling without being graphic and gory, and maintains its constant creepiness with some spooky images, shuddering sound effects and a couple of very effective jump scares. James Watkins definitely shows a tremendous improvement as a director in this movie. While his direction in "Eden Lake" was solid, yet rather generic, here, he displays more creativity, some great skills behind the camera and a truly astounding visual style, that makes "The Woman in Black" one of the most tasteful, stylish and visually atmospheric horror movies of the past few years, if not the decade. The ominous setting alone is enough to give you the chills, the murky, muted cinematography matches the dark, gothic tone of the film, plus, it features tons of dense gray fog, forbidding marshes, sinister antique toys, and some really creepy interiors. Daniel Radcliffe proves everyone who thinks he is a one-note actor wrong, delivering a believable and convincing central performance, and the supporting cast is strong, with Ciarán Hinds being the standout.

Overall summary: Creepy, atmospherically grim and stylishly-shot, if hardly groundbreaking, "The Woman in Black" is an old-fashioned ghost story that, luckily, avoids gore as instead relies on its eerie tone, spooky imagery and solid chills to successfully frighten its audience.

Craig, glad you agree with me, buddy. This one was really creepy, atmospheric and effective and I enjoyed every minute of it. Congrats on your first Hammer film at the cinema, than. :) It was mine too. LOL.

In fact, I read your lovely review the same day you posted it, but I was in a rush, and had to go without dropping a comment. I'll redeem myself though. :)

I loved this movie and agree 100 percent with your awesome review. Daniel really outdid himself as a grieving widower who can't quite make himself live without his wife, even though he must for his child. I thought the jump scares were terrific as I was all alone in the darkened theater. It was great to see an old-fashioned creepy scarefest with no gore or demons.

And oh my God were those toys not the most horrific, creepy little things ever? I shuddered just looking at them and their dead eyes.

Thank you so much, sweetheart. I loved it too. The atmosphere was terrific and it made me jump out of my seat several times. Plus, the woman in black herself gave me the chills. I don't want to meet her under any circumstances. LOL.Everyone thought Daniel couldn't outgrow his Harry Potter character, but he did and he was very convincing I must say. Yep, the toys were horrific too.

I got talked out of seeing this one last week and saw 'Loud and Close' instead. While I'm not necessarily complaining as there was much to appreciate about L & C, I still want to see "Woman in Black". After this review, more than ever. I'm hoping it makes the cut for one more week here on the island. Thanks

farawayeyes, I don't get all the hate for EL&IC - it was weirdly engaging and I enjoyed it a lot.Check out "Woman in Black" if you like solid old-fashioned ghost story with tons of jump scares and atmospheric visuals. :)

There are too many movies in theaters man, and I'd like to see a lot of them. I sometimes hold back from going to the movies or else I'd spend my whole check going to the movies and renting films! But next time I go, I know what I might be watching.

The Film Connoisseur, you're right. There are far too many movies in theaters right now, and it's almost impossible to check them all out. I'll be glad if my review helped you decide which movie you want to see next in theaters. Cheers.